WhatsApp - Revision history

Bananabot: Re-archived 9 citation(s) from archive.today to web.archive.org using CRWCitationBot

2026-02-22T23:34:34Z

Re-archived 9 citation(s) from archive.today to web.archive.org using CRWCitationBot

CopyeditorHF: Adding a comment to respond to another comment about a section I recently edited.

2026-02-22T14:42:22Z

Adding a comment to respond to another comment about a section I recently edited.

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:42, 22 February 2026
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	This is a feature included in several other messenger apps (e.g. discord, element). There are examples of users requesting it when it doesn't exist (example on steam https://steamcommunity.com/groups/SteamClientBeta/discussions/3/1694924244564842077/).		This is a feature included in several other messenger apps (e.g. discord, element). There are examples of users requesting it when it doesn't exist (example on steam https://steamcommunity.com/groups/SteamClientBeta/discussions/3/1694924244564842077/).

	In my experience it's mostly used to fix typos and spelling errors - if anything it helps protects the sender's right to privacy. -->		In my experience it's mostly used to fix typos and spelling errors - if anything it helps protects the sender's right to privacy. --><!-- In response to the first comment: I edited this section to make the tone more neutral, but I also question the reasoning behind this being included as an incident. Especially since Telegram is a recommended alternative and has a similar feature. -->

	===Privacy policy update (''2021'')===		===Privacy policy update (''2021'')===

DiffChar: Added a comment requesting clarity on one of the incidents.

2026-02-22T07:44:10Z

Added a comment requesting clarity on one of the incidents.

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:44, 22 February 2026
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	In effect, this WhatsApp feature allows the sender to remotely delete or edit existing information on the recipient's device without the consent of the recipient.		In effect, this WhatsApp feature allows the sender to remotely delete or edit existing information on the recipient's device without the consent of the recipient.
			<!-- Could this be expanded to explain why this is an incident?

			Technically senders are also updating existing information on the recipients device by sending them the original message.

			This is a feature included in several other messenger apps (e.g. discord, element). There are examples of users requesting it when it doesn't exist (example on steam https://steamcommunity.com/groups/SteamClientBeta/discussions/3/1694924244564842077/).

			In my experience it's mostly used to fix typos and spelling errors - if anything it helps protects the sender's right to privacy. -->

	===Privacy policy update (''2021'')===		===Privacy policy update (''2021'')===

ClippyWantsToHelp: /* Data lock-in */

2026-02-21T04:26:30Z

Data lock-in

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:26, 21 February 2026
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	WhatsApp provides a chat exporting feature which allows to export the entire chat history as a text file, optionally including media attachments, into a ZIP file. However, there is no way to export all messages at once. It has to be done for every contact and every group individually. Additionally, starting with an April 2025 update, exporting can be remotely disabled by the other participant through the "Advanced Chat Privacy" feature.		WhatsApp provides a chat exporting feature which allows to export the entire chat history as a text file, optionally including media attachments, into a ZIP file. However, there is no way to export all messages at once. It has to be done for every contact and every group individually. Additionally, starting with an April 2025 update, exporting can be remotely disabled by the other participant through the "Advanced Chat Privacy" feature.

	There are legitimate reasons for exporting chats, such as creating backups in a human-readable and non-proprietary format, preempting erroneous account terminations<~~nowiki></~~ref~~></nowiki~~>{{Cite web \|last=Voit		There are legitimate reasons for exporting chats, such as creating backups in a human-readable and non-proprietary format, preempting erroneous account terminations<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Voit
	\|first=Karl \|title=You Can't Control Your Data in the Cloud \|url=https://karl-voit.at/cloud/ \|website=public voit \|date=12 Nov 2016 \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260202071758/https://karl-voit.at/cloud/ \|archive-date=2 Feb 2026}}~~<nowiki>~~</ref~~></nowiki~~>, searching using external tools, and preserving good memories with people, including those of deceased individuals.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Sheeran \|first=Ed \|title=Ed Sheeran - Old Phone (Official Music Video) \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rj5dxoMY-dE \|website=[[YouTube]] \|date=8 May 2025 \|access-date=17 Feb 2025 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=rj5dxoMY-dE \|archive-date=5 Sep 2025}}</ref>		\|first=Karl \|title=You Can't Control Your Data in the Cloud \|url=https://karl-voit.at/cloud/ \|website=public voit \|date=12 Nov 2016 \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260202071758/https://karl-voit.at/cloud/ \|archive-date=2 Feb 2026}}</ref>, searching using external tools, and preserving good memories with people, including those of deceased individuals.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Sheeran \|first=Ed \|title=Ed Sheeran - Old Phone (Official Music Video) \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rj5dxoMY-dE \|website=[[YouTube]] \|date=8 May 2025 \|access-date=17 Feb 2025 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=rj5dxoMY-dE \|archive-date=5 Sep 2025}}</ref>

	The developers of WhatsApp have threatened to block [[screenshot blocking\|screenshots]] inside chats with "advanced chat privacy" enabled:<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Baran \|first=Guru \|title=WhatsApp’s New Advanced Chat Privacy Feature to Protect Sensitive Conversations \|url=https://cybersecuritynews.com/whatsapp-advanced-chat-privacy-feature/ \|website=Cyber Security News \|date=24 Apr 2025 \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/l0Byj \|archive-date=7 Jul 2025}}</ref>		The developers of WhatsApp have threatened to block [[screenshot blocking\|screenshots]] inside chats with "advanced chat privacy" enabled:<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Baran \|first=Guru \|title=WhatsApp’s New Advanced Chat Privacy Feature to Protect Sensitive Conversations \|url=https://cybersecuritynews.com/whatsapp-advanced-chat-privacy-feature/ \|website=Cyber Security News \|date=24 Apr 2025 \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/l0Byj \|archive-date=7 Jul 2025}}</ref>

CopyeditorHF: Added a hyphen for "view-once"

2026-02-20T22:07:49Z

Added a hyphen for "view-once"

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:07, 20 February 2026
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	There was widespread backlash over an upcoming privacy policy update related to the data-sharing procedures with Facebook. It outlined how businesses that use WhatsApp for customer service may store logs of their chats on Facebook servers.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Statt \|first=Nick \|title=WhatsApp clarifies it’s not giving all your data to Facebook after surge in Signal and Telegram users \|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/1/12/22226792/whatsapp-privacy-policy-response-signal-telegram-controversy-clarification \|website=The Verge \|date=12 Jan 2021 \|access-date=6 Mar 2025 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112161057/https://www.theverge.com/2021/1/12/22226792/whatsapp-privacy-policy-response-signal-telegram-controversy-clarification \|archive-date=12 Jan 2021}}</ref> The update sparked a broader concern, prompting millions of users to abandon the platform.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Hern \|first=Alex \|title=WhatsApp loses millions of users after terms update \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/jan/24/whatsapp-loses-millions-of-users-after-terms-update \|website=The Guardian \|date=24 Jan 2021 \|access-date=6 Mar 2025 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124165416/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/jan/24/whatsapp-loses-millions-of-users-after-terms-update \|archive-date=24 Jan 2021}}</ref>		There was widespread backlash over an upcoming privacy policy update related to the data-sharing procedures with Facebook. It outlined how businesses that use WhatsApp for customer service may store logs of their chats on Facebook servers.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Statt \|first=Nick \|title=WhatsApp clarifies it’s not giving all your data to Facebook after surge in Signal and Telegram users \|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/1/12/22226792/whatsapp-privacy-policy-response-signal-telegram-controversy-clarification \|website=The Verge \|date=12 Jan 2021 \|access-date=6 Mar 2025 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112161057/https://www.theverge.com/2021/1/12/22226792/whatsapp-privacy-policy-response-signal-telegram-controversy-clarification \|archive-date=12 Jan 2021}}</ref> The update sparked a broader concern, prompting millions of users to abandon the platform.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Hern \|first=Alex \|title=WhatsApp loses millions of users after terms update \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/jan/24/whatsapp-loses-millions-of-users-after-terms-update \|website=The Guardian \|date=24 Jan 2021 \|access-date=6 Mar 2025 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124165416/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/jan/24/whatsapp-loses-millions-of-users-after-terms-update \|archive-date=24 Jan 2021}}</ref>

	=== Disappearing messages (2021-2022) ===		===Disappearing messages (2021-2022)===
	WhatsApp also introduced "view-once" messages in 2021 and disabled screen captures of them in 2022. "View once" messages are deleted after being viewed.<ref name="TechCrunch-20220809" />		WhatsApp also introduced "view-once" messages in 2021 and disabled screen captures of them in 2022. "View-once" messages are deleted after being viewed.<ref name="TechCrunch-20220809" />

	===Disabling screen captures of profile pictures (''2024—'')===		===Disabling screen captures of profile pictures (''2024—'')===

CopyeditorHF: Broke up and reworded "Moral arbitration" section into "Disappearing messages" and "Disabling screen capture of profile pictures" in order to present policies in a more descriptive/neutral manner.

2026-02-20T22:06:24Z

Broke up and reworded "Moral arbitration" section into "Disappearing messages" and "Disabling screen capture of profile pictures" in order to present policies in a more descriptive/neutral manner.

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:06, 20 February 2026
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	There was widespread backlash over an upcoming privacy policy update related to the data-sharing procedures with Facebook. It outlined how businesses that use WhatsApp for customer service may store logs of their chats on Facebook servers.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Statt \|first=Nick \|title=WhatsApp clarifies it’s not giving all your data to Facebook after surge in Signal and Telegram users \|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/1/12/22226792/whatsapp-privacy-policy-response-signal-telegram-controversy-clarification \|website=The Verge \|date=12 Jan 2021 \|access-date=6 Mar 2025 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112161057/https://www.theverge.com/2021/1/12/22226792/whatsapp-privacy-policy-response-signal-telegram-controversy-clarification \|archive-date=12 Jan 2021}}</ref> The update sparked a broader concern, prompting millions of users to abandon the platform.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Hern \|first=Alex \|title=WhatsApp loses millions of users after terms update \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/jan/24/whatsapp-loses-millions-of-users-after-terms-update \|website=The Guardian \|date=24 Jan 2021 \|access-date=6 Mar 2025 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124165416/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/jan/24/whatsapp-loses-millions-of-users-after-terms-update \|archive-date=24 Jan 2021}}</ref>		There was widespread backlash over an upcoming privacy policy update related to the data-sharing procedures with Facebook. It outlined how businesses that use WhatsApp for customer service may store logs of their chats on Facebook servers.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Statt \|first=Nick \|title=WhatsApp clarifies it’s not giving all your data to Facebook after surge in Signal and Telegram users \|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/1/12/22226792/whatsapp-privacy-policy-response-signal-telegram-controversy-clarification \|website=The Verge \|date=12 Jan 2021 \|access-date=6 Mar 2025 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112161057/https://www.theverge.com/2021/1/12/22226792/whatsapp-privacy-policy-response-signal-telegram-controversy-clarification \|archive-date=12 Jan 2021}}</ref> The update sparked a broader concern, prompting millions of users to abandon the platform.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Hern \|first=Alex \|title=WhatsApp loses millions of users after terms update \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/jan/24/whatsapp-loses-millions-of-users-after-terms-update \|website=The Guardian \|date=24 Jan 2021 \|access-date=6 Mar 2025 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124165416/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/jan/24/whatsapp-loses-millions-of-users-after-terms-update \|archive-date=24 Jan 2021}}</ref>

	===~~Moral arbitration~~ (~~''2024—''~~)===		=== Disappearing messages (2021-2022) ===
	WhatsApp ~~has used its dominant market share to act as a self~~-~~appointed moral arbiter~~.		WhatsApp also introduced "view-once" messages in 2021 and disabled screen captures of them in 2022. "View once" messages are deleted after being viewed.<ref name="TechCrunch-20220809" />

	In March 2024, WhatsApp started disabling screen captures of profile pictures viewed in full screen~~, supposedly~~ to "protect the privacy" of its users. This ~~only is~~ possible because ~~the~~ mainstream mobile operating systems, [[Android]] and [[iOS]], let applications disable screen capturing ~~against~~ the ~~will~~ of device owners.<ref>{{Cite web \|author= \|title=About profile photo screenshot blocking \|url=https://faq.whatsapp.com/1799783917198636 \|website=WhatsApp \|date= \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/NfBAa \|archive-date=22 Dec 2024}}</ref>		===Disabling screen captures of profile pictures (''2024—'')===
			In March 2024, WhatsApp started disabling screen captures of profile pictures viewed in full screen to "protect the privacy" of its users. This made possible because mainstream mobile operating systems, [[Android]] and [[iOS]], let applications disable screen capturing on devices without the consent of the of device owners.<ref>{{Cite web \|author= \|title=About profile photo screenshot blocking \|url=https://faq.whatsapp.com/1799783917198636 \|website=WhatsApp \|date= \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/NfBAa \|archive-date=22 Dec 2024}}</ref>

	Profile ~~picture screenshots~~ are ~~no privacy violation, given~~ that ~~they are something users~~ voluntarily ~~choose to make public~~ on ~~a visible spot of~~ their profiles~~, and never were a mandatory requirement to be able to use WhatsApp~~. ~~It should also be noted that WhatsApp is ironically operated by a data harvesting company (Meta~~, ~~Inc.).~~		Profile pictures are not mandatory to use WhatsApp and are therefore images that a user has voluntarily made accessible on their profiles. As such, profile pictures are not private images.

	~~WhatsApp also introduced "view-once" messages in 2021 and disabled screen captures of them in 2022. "View once" messages~~ are ~~forcibly deleted after being viewed~~.~~<ref name="TechCrunch-20220809" />~~

	===Introduction of advertising (''2025'')===		===Introduction of advertising (''2025'')===

CopyeditorHF: /* Data lock-in */ Tonal edits. Information was reworded to present the information in a more neutral way

2026-02-20T21:48:21Z

Data lock-in: Tonal edits. Information was reworded to present the information in a more neutral way

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:48, 20 February 2026
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	===Data lock-in===		===Data lock-in===
	[[File:WhatsApp suspended account hostage screen.png\|thumb\|upright\|WhatsApp suspended account hostage screen]]		[[File:WhatsApp suspended account hostage screen.png\|thumb\|upright\|WhatsApp suspended account hostage screen]]
	There are several instances of [[data lock-in]] in WhatsApp. For example, if WhatsApp staff suspends an account, ~~WhatsApp holds~~ the ~~message history hostage. The~~ user is unable to access any messages stored on their device, unless they successfully appeal their suspension. This means WhatsApp staff has ~~more control over~~ some data stored on devices of WhatsApp users than the device owners themselves. ~~This is as close as it comes~~ to {{Wplink\|ransomware}} ~~without officially being labeled as such~~.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Gopal \|first=Prarthana \|title=How to fix the WhatsApp 'This account is not allowed to use WhatsApp' error \|url=https://www.androidpolice.com/whatsapp-this-account-is-not-allowed-to-use-whatsapp-error-fix/ \|website=Android Police \|date=11 May 2024 \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/e8bY9 \|archive-date=11 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Bhatacharjee \|first=Sayani \|title=How to Unban From WhatsApp Quickly and Regain Access (2024) \|url=https://retainiq.io/blog/how-to-unban-from-whatsapp-quickly/ \|website=RetainIQ \|date=16 Sep 2024 \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007151808/https://retainiq.io/blog/how-to-unban-from-whatsapp-quickly/ \|archive-date=7 Oct 2024}}</ref>		There are several instances of [[data lock-in]] in WhatsApp. For example, if WhatsApp staff suspends an account, the user is unable to access any messages stored on their device, unless they successfully appeal their suspension. This means WhatsApp staff has greater access to some of the data stored on devices of WhatsApp users than the device owners themselves. Such practices function similarly to {{Wplink\|ransomware}}, a type of malware attack in which a user in unable to access some or all of their data on a device until a ransom is paid.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Gopal \|first=Prarthana \|title=How to fix the WhatsApp 'This account is not allowed to use WhatsApp' error \|url=https://www.androidpolice.com/whatsapp-this-account-is-not-allowed-to-use-whatsapp-error-fix/ \|website=Android Police \|date=11 May 2024 \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/e8bY9 \|archive-date=11 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|last=Bhatacharjee \|first=Sayani \|title=How to Unban From WhatsApp Quickly and Regain Access (2024) \|url=https://retainiq.io/blog/how-to-unban-from-whatsapp-quickly/ \|website=RetainIQ \|date=16 Sep 2024 \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007151808/https://retainiq.io/blog/how-to-unban-from-whatsapp-quickly/ \|archive-date=7 Oct 2024}}</ref>

	Users also ~~lose~~ access to their messaging history ~~unless~~ they run a recent version. ~~The developers behind WhatsApp could have provided users read-only access, meaning letting~~ users read existing ~~messages but not send new messages unless they update, but they chose to completely disable access to the~~ messages until an update is completed.		Users are also unable access to their messaging history if they do not run a recent version. This means that users cannot read existing messages until an update has been completed. There are situations where users may not be able to update. These include being at a remote location with limited Internet access, exhaustion of one's mobile data plan, and having an older device where updating is not possible anymore because its operating system is no longer supported by a recent version of WhatsApp.

	There are situations where users ~~are~~ not able to update. These include being at a remote location with limited Internet access, exhaustion of one's mobile data plan, and having an older device where updating is not possible anymore because its operating system is no longer supported by a recent version of WhatsApp.

	If a WhatsApp user has not used the service for four months, they are required to repeat the registration process before being able to access to their message history.<ref>{{Cite web \|author=		If a WhatsApp user has not used the service for four months, they are required to repeat the registration process before being able to access to their message history.<ref>{{Cite web \|author=
	\|title=Seeing “You have been logged out” \|url=https://faq.whatsapp.com/120604060995491 \|website=WhatsApp \|date= \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://archive.is/0KH2m \|archive-date=11 Feb 2026}}</ref> In addition, changing one's phone number means losing access to all existing messages that were not backed up in advance.		\|title=Seeing “You have been logged out” \|url=https://faq.whatsapp.com/120604060995491 \|website=WhatsApp \|date= \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://archive.is/0KH2m \|archive-date=11 Feb 2026}}</ref> In addition, changing one's phone number means losing access to all existing messages that were not backed up in advance.

	WhatsApp also lets the user back up their messages to their [[Google]] account, but they are stored in a way they can only be accessed from WhatsApp, not externally.<ref name=TechCrunch-20220809>{{Cite web \|last=Hatmaker \|first=Taylor \|title=WhatsApp is adding new privacy options, including screenshot blocking and a stealth mode \|url=https://techcrunch.com/2022/08/09/whatsapp-privacy-presence-control-screenshot-blocking/ \|website=TechCrunch \|date=9 Aug 2022 \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://archive.is/iwDVH \|archive-date=9 Aug 2022}}</ref>		WhatsApp also lets the user back up their messages to their [[Google]] account, but they are stored in a way they can only be accessed from WhatsApp, not externally.<ref name="TechCrunch-20220809">{{Cite web \|last=Hatmaker \|first=Taylor \|title=WhatsApp is adding new privacy options, including screenshot blocking and a stealth mode \|url=https://techcrunch.com/2022/08/09/whatsapp-privacy-presence-control-screenshot-blocking/ \|website=TechCrunch \|date=9 Aug 2022 \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://archive.is/iwDVH \|archive-date=9 Aug 2022}}</ref>

	WhatsApp provides a chat exporting feature which allows to export the entire chat history as a text file, optionally including media attachments, into a ZIP file. However, there is no way to export all messages at once. It has to be done for every contact and every group individually. Additionally, starting with an April 2025 update, exporting can be remotely disabled by the other participant through the "Advanced Chat Privacy" feature, meaning the user is at the mercy of the other participant to allow exporting.

	~~There are legitimate reasons for~~ exporting ~~chats, such~~ as ~~creating backups in~~ a ~~human-readable and non-proprietary format~~, ~~preempting erroneous account terminations</ref>{{Cite web \|last=Voit~~		WhatsApp provides a chat exporting feature which allows to export the entire chat history as a text file, optionally including media attachments, into a ZIP file. However, there is no way to export all messages at once. It has to be done for every contact and every group individually. Additionally, starting with an April 2025 update, exporting can be remotely disabled by the other participant through the "Advanced Chat Privacy" feature.
	~~\|first=Karl \|title=You Can't Control Your Data in the Cloud \|url=https://karl-voit~~.at~~/cloud/ \|website=public voit \|date=12 Nov 2016 \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web~~.~~archive~~.~~org/web/20260202071758/https://karl-voit.at/cloud/ \|archive-date=2 Feb 2026}}</ref>~~, ~~searching using external tools, and preserving good memories~~ with ~~people~~, ~~including those of deceased individuals~~.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Sheeran \|first=Ed \|title=Ed Sheeran - Old Phone (Official Music Video) \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rj5dxoMY-dE \|website=[[YouTube]] \|date=8 May 2025 \|access-date=17 Feb 2025 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=rj5dxoMY-dE \|archive-date=5 Sep 2025}}</ref>

	~~If one does not trust someone to keep something secret~~, ~~then one should not send the message~~ in the first ~~place — much like one not telling them in real life~~.		There are legitimate reasons for exporting chats, such as creating backups in a human-readable and non-proprietary format, preempting erroneous account terminations<nowiki></ref></nowiki>{{Cite web \|last=Voit
			\|first=Karl \|title=You Can't Control Your Data in the Cloud \|url=https://karl-voit.at/cloud/ \|website=public voit \|date=12 Nov 2016 \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260202071758/https://karl-voit.at/cloud/ \|archive-date=2 Feb 2026}}<nowiki></ref></nowiki>, searching using external tools, and preserving good memories with people, including those of deceased individuals.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Sheeran \|first=Ed \|title=Ed Sheeran - Old Phone (Official Music Video) \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rj5dxoMY-dE \|website=[[YouTube]] \|date=8 May 2025 \|access-date=17 Feb 2025 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=rj5dxoMY-dE \|archive-date=5 Sep 2025}}</ref>

	The developers of WhatsApp have threatened to block [[screenshot blocking\|screenshots]] inside chats with "advanced chat privacy" enabled:<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Baran \|first=Guru \|title=WhatsApp’s New Advanced Chat Privacy Feature to Protect Sensitive Conversations \|url=https://cybersecuritynews.com/whatsapp-advanced-chat-privacy-feature/ \|website=Cyber Security News \|date=24 Apr 2025 \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/l0Byj \|archive-date=7 Jul 2025}}</ref>		The developers of WhatsApp have threatened to block [[screenshot blocking\|screenshots]] inside chats with "advanced chat privacy" enabled:<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Baran \|first=Guru \|title=WhatsApp’s New Advanced Chat Privacy Feature to Protect Sensitive Conversations \|url=https://cybersecuritynews.com/whatsapp-advanced-chat-privacy-feature/ \|website=Cyber Security News \|date=24 Apr 2025 \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/l0Byj \|archive-date=7 Jul 2025}}</ref>
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	==Mandatory updates==		==Mandatory updates==
	WhatsApp ~~forces~~ users to ~~stay on~~ updated versions of the app by first giving them an in-app warning if they have not updated for a while. If the user still chooses not to update, usage of the app will be disabled entirely.{{Citation needed\|reason=How long before this happens? Any screenshots?}} This ~~is problematic~~ in certain cases, such as being in an area with poor or limited internet connectivity or using an older device that is no longer supported.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Coyle \|first=Dylan R. \|title=WhatsApp drops support for Android KitKat \|url=https://www.androidpolice.com/whatsapp-support-android-kitkat/ \|website=Android Police \|date=24 Oct 2023 \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025193121/https://www.androidpolice.com/whatsapp-support-android-kitkat/ \|archive-date=25 Oct 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|author=Ro \|title=WhatsApp to drop support for older Android devices on January 1, 2025 \|url=https://www.gsmarena.com/whatsapp_to_drop_support_for_older_android_devices_on_january_1_2025-news-65834.php \|website=GSMArena \|date=22 Dec 2024 \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/z9lWS \|archive-date=11 Nov 2025}}</ref> <!-- In my experience, WhatsApp is one of the few apps to function near-perfectly on 3G, even rural areas. Updates however are usually 60+ MB, very chungus in comparison. I'm not sure how to incorporate this point though. -Raster -->		WhatsApp requires users to use updated versions of the app by first giving them an in-app warning if they have not updated for a while. If the user still chooses not to update, usage of the app will be disabled entirely.{{Citation needed\|reason=How long before this happens? Any screenshots?}} This can pose problems in certain cases, such as being in an area with poor or limited internet connectivity or using an older device that is no longer supported.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Coyle \|first=Dylan R. \|title=WhatsApp drops support for Android KitKat \|url=https://www.androidpolice.com/whatsapp-support-android-kitkat/ \|website=Android Police \|date=24 Oct 2023 \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025193121/https://www.androidpolice.com/whatsapp-support-android-kitkat/ \|archive-date=25 Oct 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|author=Ro \|title=WhatsApp to drop support for older Android devices on January 1, 2025 \|url=https://www.gsmarena.com/whatsapp_to_drop_support_for_older_android_devices_on_january_1_2025-news-65834.php \|website=GSMArena \|date=22 Dec 2024 \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/z9lWS \|archive-date=11 Nov 2025}}</ref> <!-- In my experience, WhatsApp is one of the few apps to function near-perfectly on 3G, even rural areas. Updates however are usually 60+ MB, very chungus in comparison. I'm not sure how to incorporate this point though. -Raster -->

	===Message ~~remote~~ deletion and ~~falsification~~ (''2017—'')===		===Message deletion and editing (''2017—'')===
	Since late 2017, WhatsApp ~~lets~~ message senders ~~remotely~~ delete messages for a limited duration after sending.<ref>{{Cite web \|author=Himanshu \|title=WhatsApp gets ability to delete messages \|url=https://www.gsmarena.com/whatsapp_gets_ability_to_delete_messages-news-27955.php \|website=GMSArena \|date=27 Oct 2017 \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318124926/https://www.gsmarena.com/whatsapp_gets_ability_to_delete_messages-news-27955.php \|archive-date=18 Mar 2018}}</ref> This time limit was extended ~~repeatedly~~, to slightly over an hour in 2018<ref>{{Cite web \|author=Ricky \|title=WhatsApp time limit for deleting messages increases to over an hour \|url=https://www.gsmarena.com/whatsapp_time_limit_for_deleting_messages_increases_to_over_an_hour-news-30053.php \|website=GSMArena \|date=12 Mar 2018 \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313043109/https://www.gsmarena.com/whatsapp_time_limit_for_deleting_messages_increases_to_over_an_hour-news-30053.php \|archive-date=13 Mar 2018}}</ref> and two and a half days in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Mehta \|first=Ivan \|title=WhatsApp extends time limit to delete a message to 60 hours \|url=https://techcrunch.com/2022/08/09/whatsapp-extends-time-limit-to-delete-a-message-to-60-hours/ \|website=TechCrunch \|date=9 Aug 2022 \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://archive.is/QRiLZ \|archive-date=17 Feb 2026}}</ref>		Since late 2017, WhatsApp allows message senders delete messages for a limited duration after sending.<ref>{{Cite web \|author=Himanshu \|title=WhatsApp gets ability to delete messages \|url=https://www.gsmarena.com/whatsapp_gets_ability_to_delete_messages-news-27955.php \|website=GMSArena \|date=27 Oct 2017 \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318124926/https://www.gsmarena.com/whatsapp_gets_ability_to_delete_messages-news-27955.php \|archive-date=18 Mar 2018}}</ref> This time limit was extended, to slightly over an hour in 2018<ref>{{Cite web \|author=Ricky \|title=WhatsApp time limit for deleting messages increases to over an hour \|url=https://www.gsmarena.com/whatsapp_time_limit_for_deleting_messages_increases_to_over_an_hour-news-30053.php \|website=GSMArena \|date=12 Mar 2018 \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313043109/https://www.gsmarena.com/whatsapp_time_limit_for_deleting_messages_increases_to_over_an_hour-news-30053.php \|archive-date=13 Mar 2018}}</ref> and two and a half days in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Mehta \|first=Ivan \|title=WhatsApp extends time limit to delete a message to 60 hours \|url=https://techcrunch.com/2022/08/09/whatsapp-extends-time-limit-to-delete-a-message-to-60-hours/ \|website=TechCrunch \|date=9 Aug 2022 \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://archive.is/QRiLZ \|archive-date=17 Feb 2026}}</ref> While there is a message noting that "This message was deleted," it is not possible to see what was contained in the message.

	Additionally, since 2023, WhatsApp lets message senders ~~remotely falsify~~ messages for up to fifteen minutes after sending. When a message is ~~falsified~~ by the sender, the recipient can no longer see the original message.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Schroeder \|first=Stan \|title=WhatsApp finally lets you edit messages, but you have to be fast \|url=https://mashable.com/article/whatsapp-edit-messages-feature \|website=Mashable \|date=23 May 2023 \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230523172541/https://mashable.com/article/whatsapp-edit-messages-feature \|archive-date=23 May 2023}}</ref>		Additionally, since 2023, WhatsApp lets message senders edit messages for up to fifteen minutes after sending. When a message is edited by the sender, while it is noted the message has been edited, the recipient can no longer see the original message.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Schroeder \|first=Stan \|title=WhatsApp finally lets you edit messages, but you have to be fast \|url=https://mashable.com/article/whatsapp-edit-messages-feature \|website=Mashable \|date=23 May 2023 \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230523172541/https://mashable.com/article/whatsapp-edit-messages-feature \|archive-date=23 May 2023}}</ref>

	~~The~~ WhatsApp ~~software acts against~~ the ~~will of the device owner by letting someone else~~ remotely delete or ~~falsify~~ existing information on ~~their~~ device ~~retroactively. Many people are forced to accept this infringement of their ownership as a result~~ of the ~~{{Wplink\|network effect}}, the high number of existing WhatsApp users~~.		In effect, this WhatsApp feature allows the sender to remotely delete or edit existing information on the recipient's device without the consent of the recipient.

	===Privacy policy update (''2021'')===		===Privacy policy update (''2021'')===
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	Profile picture screenshots are no privacy violation, given that they are something users voluntarily choose to make public on a visible spot of their profiles, and never were a mandatory requirement to be able to use WhatsApp. It should also be noted that WhatsApp is ironically operated by a data harvesting company (Meta, Inc.).		Profile picture screenshots are no privacy violation, given that they are something users voluntarily choose to make public on a visible spot of their profiles, and never were a mandatory requirement to be able to use WhatsApp. It should also be noted that WhatsApp is ironically operated by a data harvesting company (Meta, Inc.).

	WhatsApp also introduced "view-once" messages in 2021 and disabled screen captures of them in 2022. "View once" messages are forcibly deleted after being viewed.<ref name=TechCrunch-20220809 />		WhatsApp also introduced "view-once" messages in 2021 and disabled screen captures of them in 2022. "View once" messages are forcibly deleted after being viewed.<ref name="TechCrunch-20220809" />

	===Introduction of advertising (''2025'')===		===Introduction of advertising (''2025'')===

Sojourna: Ref clean-up; pass on style; minor corrections.

2026-02-17T21:51:50Z

Ref clean-up; pass on style; minor corrections.

Show changes

AnotherConsumerRightsPerson: http to https with AutoWikiBrowser, replaced: http: → https:

2026-02-11T17:49:18Z

http to https with AutoWikiBrowser, replaced: http: → https:

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:49, 11 February 2026
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	If one doesn't trust someone to keep something secret, one should not send it in the first place, like one not tell them in real life.		If one doesn't trust someone to keep something secret, one should not send it in the first place, like one not tell them in real life.

	The developers of WhatsApp have threatened to block [[screenshot blocking\|screenshots]] inside chats with "advanced chat privacy" enabled:<ref>[~~http~~://archive.today/2025.07.07-200053/https://cybersecuritynews.com/whatsapp-advanced-chat-privacy-feature/ WhatsApp’s New Advanced Chat Privacy Feature to Protect Sensitive Conversations]</ref>		The developers of WhatsApp have threatened to block [[screenshot blocking\|screenshots]] inside chats with "advanced chat privacy" enabled:<ref>[https://archive.today/2025.07.07-200053/https://cybersecuritynews.com/whatsapp-advanced-chat-privacy-feature/ WhatsApp’s New Advanced Chat Privacy Feature to Protect Sensitive Conversations]</ref>

	<blockquote>		<blockquote>

JodyBruchonFan: /* Moral arbitration */ self-appointed

2026-02-11T16:32:17Z

Moral arbitration: self-appointed

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:32, 11 February 2026
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	===Moral arbitration===		===Moral arbitration===
	WhatsApp has used its dominant market share to act as a moral arbiter.		WhatsApp has used its dominant market share to act as a self-appointed moral arbiter.

	In March 2024, WhatsApp started disabling screen captures of profile pictures viewed in full screen, supposedly to "protect the privacy" of its users. This only is possible because the mainstream mobile operating systems, Android and iOS, let applications disable screen capturing against the will of device owners.<ref>[https://archive.today/2024.12.22-151106/https://faq.whatsapp.com/1799783917198636 About profile photo screenshot blocking \| WhatsApp Help Center]</ref>		In March 2024, WhatsApp started disabling screen captures of profile pictures viewed in full screen, supposedly to "protect the privacy" of its users. This only is possible because the mainstream mobile operating systems, Android and iOS, let applications disable screen capturing against the will of device owners.<ref>[https://archive.today/2024.12.22-151106/https://faq.whatsapp.com/1799783917198636 About profile photo screenshot blocking \| WhatsApp Help Center]</ref>